The last game of the season and the ultimate prize of Europa League football is at stake. As expected Bosio and Carrasco are straight back into the XI following a two match ban for accumulation while Baio is fit enough only for a spot of the bench. Manolo comes out all guns blazing knowing that a win assures third spor irregardless of the result in the Lincoln St Joseph’s match that kicks off at 18:00

Alas it was not to be. St Joseph’s did what they had to do against a depleted and lethargic Lincoln and made sure that only a win would suffice. United kicked off knowing that and went immediately on the front foot against a full strength Europa. Chances were few in the inital exchanges but that was simpy the calm before the storm; the storm that broke 20 minutes in when Mouelhi came up for a corner from the back. The ball was floated in from the left and there rose Aymen to place the ball beyond the keeper and into the net; United in the promised land and it all looked rosy.

Photo credit to Neil Wilson

The goal woke Europa up and fans were treated to a great game of football for the remaining 25 minutes of the half as both teams ebbed back and forth. Chino made one excellent intervention from Kike as he broke from deep but it was a defensive misjudgement that allowed Europa to equalise 5 minutes before half time as Garro tapped into an empty net. Mr Warwick brought the game to its midway point with everything still in play, but not before denying Elghobashy a clear penalty shout after he was clattered by Muñoz in the box.

The second half turned into a pitched battle during which the referee lost control at times. Tackles were flying in, players were sent off (one apiece), the officials heckled. Tensions were running high. Europa hit the crossbar, Ponce smashed one off the upright. Elghobashy came close; it was heart racing stuff. Chino made an excellent save down low, in summary a belter of a game!

Photo Credit to Neil Wilson

Ayew treads a fine line

The crucial moment of the game was shrouded in controversy, something that seems to pursue this team of officials. With United seeking a goal and holding a high line Kike was put through with a ball launched over the top from deep. He looked offisde as there was clear daylight between the defence and the striker but the linesman’s flag remained down. Kike finished the move off with the class he has accustumed us too but it was the final nail in the coffin of our hopes of finishing third. Supporters in the stands certainly let their feelings know to the officials as they marched off at full time. However, one must remember that European qualification was always in our hands and we came up short at the last time of asking.

What cannot be allowed to happen is for the shine to be removed from a simply fantastic campaign that has seen a team jump from 7th to 4th and more than double its point tally. It has defeated every team in the league at least once and reached a cup semi final. All this while gelling a large number of new players. Though the Europa League would have been the icing on the cake United supporters know that a most solid and most professional and dedicated foundation has been laid. As we drift off for the Summer our minds are all ready on next season and its mid August kick off. Season review and stats will soon follow. Until next time!

Manolo fields a team for the last but one time this season knowing that after St Joseph’s won their game on Thursday there is no option but the three points. With Bosio, Baio and Carrasco still missing their is a slight change of formation and personnel as Negrette comes into the starting XI to the detriment of Pipo who drops to the bench where his joined by youngster Max Cottrell who is called up to the senior squad for the first time.

Phoenix once proved to be a very tough opponent in the sweltering heat and the fight they put in today makes one wonder at last week’s 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Europa F.C. United’s goal was clear, 3 points to jump ahead of St Joseph’s once again. As such, United started the stronger, moving the ball around well and patiently waiting to seek an opening.

Phoenix were tightly knit and had moved Pusey into midefield to add some height next to Moreno, and though United had plenty of the ball there was little penetration. Phoenix were hard in the tackle but also quick to moan about every little decision and scuffle which made the initial stages of the game stop and start as thier incessant heckling of referee, Mr Warwick, did allow for the flow of good football.

The one time it did, Marco struck a sweet opener of a goal. He played a clever one-two with Aguiar on the wing and cut inside the defender’s blind side. He set up the shot with a toe poke of his left foot and curled one past Morales and into the top corner with his rigth. An outstanding finish with great quality that left the keeper with no chance. A just reward for our opening 15 minutes or so.

Phoenix shoulders, however did not drop and the match descended into a pitched battle. Mr Warwick was forced to dip into his pocket a number of times as several tackles came close to the line. There was little goal mouth action however and the only clear chance before half time fell to Dani who was left with the keeper to beat only to have any clear and obvious advantage denied by the referee who called play back to an earlier foul, in our favour!

The second half kicked off with Alberto replacing Negrette and as the heat began to take its toll the match began to open up. Morales twice thwarted Ayman on two successive occasions as the Egyptian was begining to find his stride and range. As usual the defenders sought to constant fouling and both centre halves were soon in the ref’s book. Ayman’s persistance paid off around the hour mark. Some good work from Alberto in the middle of the park saw Dani benefit. The latter then threaded a ball of immense quality that put Ayman through. As the defence was left in his wake he rounded the keeper and tapped in his 12th league goal of the season.

Our opponents however took this as cue to press further up the field with abandon. Sub Hernandez had opened their left wing and was carrying substantial danger forward. Chino was increasingly called into action though most of it came in via floated balls and crosses. Credit to Gibraltar Phoenix for wanting to get back in the game and the glimmer of hope sparked into life from the boots of German Narvaez who scored a frankly spectacular goal from almost the same spot that Marco had given us the lead earlier.

As Ferri threw on Gallardo, Manolo subbed the flaking Ponce for Pipo. Nerves were frayed and tensions were running high. As Phoenix continued to press United had two gilt edged chances to put the game to bed. First it was Morales who again saved from Elghobashy and then Pipo whose effort was ruled offside following some sterling work from Aguiar. The game had the potential to turn nasty as Gallardo saw a straight red for punching Farinha following a coming together for a ball.

United also had to survive a very late penalty scare when Chino and the aforementioned Hernandez collided in the area and it looked as if Phoenix had a solid case. Ultimately the incident proved moot as Mr Warwick waved off appeals and motioned for a goal kick, to which he quickly followed with the final whistle. 3 more points and its sets up a final day shoot out with St Joseph’s for third place. Both clubs, however, await the outcome of tomorrow’s Rock Cup Final to see if we move into the final weekend of the season with the third place still alive in terms of a Europa League Place.

Michael Negrette on for Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho
Javier Cantelmi on for Ayman Elghobashy
Tito De Torres on for Daniel Ponce de Leon

With Carrasco and Bosio missing due to suspension and Baio out through injury it is a rather different midfield 3 that take the field. Aymen steps into the defensive midfield role he usually played in last season while Marco takes a more withdrawn role than usual. Brad comes into centre defence while Pipo just edges out Negrette on the right wing.

United were fully aware that nothing less than 3 points today would do if last weeks win over Lincoln was to serve any purpose. The interest in the match was heightened by the presence of Andorran referees on the pitch as part of a referee exchange between the Andorra and Gibraltar FAs. Fans were curious how these officials, one being a woman, compared to the local referees.

Glacis United started the stronger of the teams as it took United’s misfit midfield some time to adjust. They had the early ball and the first few chances with former United player El Andalussi heading over the bar and Glacis also hitting the crossbar with a thundering volley. Indeed things were lookig dire early on with the Clarets in the ascendancy.

Chino the busier keeper in the opening exchanges

As the game progressed however United began to get a solid grip on the game. Manolo swapped Aymen and Leo’s position on the pitch and the latter began to put in a stellar performance regaining possession regualrly and breaking up play to release Dani and Marco on the ball. Aymen also went on to have a very good game in unfamiliar territory and often getting into very forward positions. As United got the ball chances began to arrive.

Pipo blasted one over while the ever active and often mishandled Elghobashy was pinging shots in. Indeed he turned provider once again after a quick exchange with Dani saw the latter drift in to the central area, cushion the ball with his left peg to set up the shot and blast the ball past Gonzalez with half an hour gone. Though the goal did not technichally come against the run of play it served to clam nerves and settle the team down.

Dani opens the scoring

To their credit Glacis fought back hard. They once again pressed our midfield but hit a resolute white wall and there was no way through. Occasionally shots and crosses were pinged in but nothing the keeper or defence could handle. Hoyos and the deadly Cerezo were taking the danger forward but in Barnett and Power they found their equal. Once again Leo excelled in shielding the defence and frankly put in a masterclass performance in defensive midfield play. As Mr Da Costa Carvalho called time United could feel happy they were in the lead and had contained Glacis’ forrays.

The second half kicked off with a sub as Negrette replaced the quiet Ramalho. One player who was not quiet was Elghobashy. The striker has been somewhat of a revelation in Gibraltar and he has amassed a cult following due to his power, style of play, personality and goals. Glacis’ central defenders have been no differet to others and resorted to the dark arts to stop him. However he nabbed his goal following a powerful shot from edge of the box just after the hour that finally saw the fight drop out of Glacis. 2-0 up and heading to the desired 3 points.

Ayman charges

The goal had come shortly after Barnett made Gonzalez pull of a spectacular save down low following a corner routine, he soon followed it up with another great save from the subsequent corner. Glacis were under the cosh and despite the introduction of the battling Ruiz, they knew the match had escaped them. Farinha also had a golden chance as he turned the keeper but the covering defender meant he could not capitalise on some excellent work. A mention as well to Filipe Aguiar, playing out of position but there is yet to find a gustier, more dedicated left back in the league!

Farinha glides past Gonzalez

Marco put the final touch of class to the match by putting Dani through with a classy ball from deep. Ponce finished with the class and poise that characterises his play to seal the deal and deliver a priceless three points. The match finally ebbed out, though Glacis were to end with 10 following the sending off of Tyson Ruiz, with United 5 points clear in third. With Mons Calpe facing St Joseph’s this evening it may well be a key weekend in the push for third place.

United come into the game with morale sky high following the win over Lincoln. It came at a price however with Bosio and Carrasco picking up costly bookings. Marco has resumed full fitness and the squads morale was further bouyed by news of Roman’s quicker than expected recovery from injury and he may rejoin the fold soon.

Glacis also come into the game in good form after getting 6 past Man 62. Cerezo bagged himself 4 in that game but both Sidi and defensive stalwart Cano will be absent due to suspension. A win is a must to keep third place; kick off Friday 20:30.

Marco Meireles on for Daniel Ponce de Leon
Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Yalany Baio
Michael Negrette on for Leo Pereyra

Farinha makes his expected return to the line up and Elghobashy has recovered from several niggles to take his place up front. Leo also makes a start with Negrette dropping to the bench as Manolo seeks to contain Lincoln’s initial push and play on the counter. Great news as well in seeing Marco back in the team, albeit on the bench, after a bout of illness.

The brief was to equal or better St Jospeh’s result and boy did we better it. Parallels can be drawn to a few weeks ago when we beat Europa for St Jospeh’s to then beat Lincoln the following day. Well following St Joseph’s defeat on Thursday to Europa we face Lincoln Red Imps today.

United started brightly and aggressively and 60 seconds into the match Mr Barcelo had his first massive call to make when Elghobashy showed Roy Chipolina a clean set of heels, burst into the area and was felled; clear penalty from where we were sat but Mr Barcelo emphatically waved Red and White appeals away as the game continued. Was he setting the tone? The fact that Chipolina could not keep up with Ayman was made abundantly clear however.

United had an excellent first 15 minutes with the defence handling Lincoln’s attacks with ease. Farinha and Aguiar neutralised Lincoln’s tried and tested diagonal ball to the wings and provided the basis for our forward momentum. Forward momentum that got its just rewards 9 minutes into the match. Leo floated in a delicious ball that fell inbetween Chipolina and Oli and land at Dani’s feet just as he ghosted past them. His calm touch and subsequent composure allowed him to deftly poke the ball past a helpless Soler to give United a lead that not many in the stadium expected, though the hardcore United support did! He wheeled off in celebration in front of the Lincoln support as he was engulfed by team mates.

Ecstasy that was doubled a mere 120 seconds later as Elghobashy once again left Chipolina and the rest of the Lincoln defence in his wake. He won the byline, powered past the defence and as Soler came out to close the already tight angle he simply rolled the ball under the keeper’s body to score his 9th goal of the campaign and shock the Lincoln support into silence. United 2-0 up and the game 10 minutes old…not what Lincoln’s script had expected.

United ceded some possession then but each and everyone of the eleven men on the field of play went on to have a flawless first 45 minutes. Farinha was simply spectacular and around him the 10 other heroes battled. Carlos, Leo and Jamie made the middle of the park their own while Baio and Dani sacrificed some of their game to graft and toil on the wings. Ayman as always harrassing at the spearhead of our attack. Lincoln began to get frustrated and thier only clear chance was a Falu half volley parried by Chino. The other moments of danger came from crosses and corners. Supporters did not want the half to end such was the ease with which we were controlling the game. As Mr Barcelo blew his whistle a certain needle had worked itself into the game, needle that would overspill in the second half.

Lincoln started the second half with a double substitution that signaled their intent. Joseph Chipolina made his comeback from injury and Merino came on and Lincoln went on to the attack from the whistle. Wave after wave of white attack surged forward but the defence held firm. Mouelhi was being solid in the air and Barnett was throwing himslef into every block and challenge.

Lincoln began to create chances though. First it was a tame shot that Chino handled well, then a ball crashing against the post that kept our goal safe. Then it was Farinha with the first of a couple of goal line clearances. Hearts were palpitating and breaths being held but we were keeping the juggernaut out! Elghobashy was a constant threat though and every ball over the top meant a chase for Oli and Chipolina that frankly they didnt fancy. All that pressure however did have its fruit when Merio pulled one back on 66 minutes to give the game an extra edge moving into the last 25 minutes.

25 minutes of great friction if I may borrow Clausewitz’s phrase. There were some lengthy spells of stoppage due to United players being hurt. Lincoln players, keeper Lolo Soler in particular were taking great umbrage at this and tempers finally broiled over when Baio went over hurting his wrist. Soler was quick to remonstrate, again, and claim play acting. An action that incensed the United bench especially as Baio could not continue. As tempers flared Sanchez Alfaro was sent to the stands and Soler booked for what may be interpreted as unsporting behaviour. Lincoln assistant Coach, Segovia, was also sent to the stands by Mr Barcelo as frustrations began to get the better of people.

Yet try as they might Lincoln could not get through. Carrasco sent another ball off the line as Lincoln desperately sought the equaliser. Alas for them it did not come and hope soon evaporated late in the game as United sealed the three points. Elghobashy won his sprint against the defence for the umpteenth time and with Soler to beat he crashed a curled shot against the crossbar, United supporters could not believe it…yet there to pick up the pieces was Aguiar who had tapped his energy reserves to follow Ayman in. He picked up the rebound, shuffled his feet and neatly put the ball away to seal the points.

Watching the match was almost as exhausting as playing in it but what a massive three points! It now opens a 5 point gap with St Joseph’s in 4th and it largely negates the advantage of their game in hand. 3 more massive games to go with the next one against Glacis United on Friday evening at 20:30.

Leo Pereyra on for Michael Negrette
Javier Cantelmi on for Jamie Boiso

Alberto comes in at right back to cover the absence of Farinha while Pipo leads the attack as Elghobashy is only fit enough for a spot on the bench. Elsewhere it is as we where last Saturday with the in form Bosio looking to bag another goal from midfield. Marco is still missing through illness and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Another week, another battle for the Gib Utd boys to fight. Lions, as usual packed the defence and midfield and made a formidable orange and grey wall which was almost impossible to break down in the first half. United had the majority of the ball and despite some fancy footwork there was no way through. Lions, for their part were defending well and their only outlet was the long ball to Borja that at no time really threatened Chino’s goal.

Our first chance came via the boots of Negrette who had switched flanks with Ponce. He cut inside onto his strong foot and curled in a shot from just inside the corner of the box. The ball went closley wide with the diving Olivia no where near it. Bosio also had a chance that he sent over the bar close to the half time whistle but the Lions defence had held firm. Certainly they went in the happier of the two teams at half time.

United looked determined from the kick off to make sure that the possession turned into goals. Aguiar and Alberto in the full back role pushed up and Baio began to press forward from midfield. Pipo, who had a very quiet first half however came into his own. He constantly looked for and called for the ball out on the wing and his deft footwork was starting to to cause the Lions defence problems.

It was a combination of a forward run from Baio and Ponce’s skills in the box that saw us take the lead. Baio burst from the middle leaving the Lions players in his wake. A quick through ball to Dani saw the latter in the box, slightly wide on the left. He slalomed past the diving tackles and spotted Pipo unmarked on the right. The weight of the pass was perfect and the little portugese magician was left with a simple tap in. The relief on the player’s faces was clear for all to see. A just reward for the superiority we were showing.

Pipo now found an extra spring in his step and was more actively involved in the play. Indeed he soon turned provider as he turned showed his skill and class to leave his defenders behind and returned the favour as Ponce was left with a simple tap in to make it 2-0 to United. Lions’ shoulders began to droop as confidence surged. Carrasco shot over the bar soon after as United were looking for a third.

The clearest chance came from the boots of substitute Cantelmi. Baio put him through with a perfectly measured pass which left Javi with a one on one with the keeper. As Olivia rushed out Cantelmi shot but the keeper was able to parry it away and thwart our attempts to put us further ahead. That proved to be the last meaningful action of the match as Mr Warwick called time soon after. United in third in with St Joseph’s to play Phoenix at 20:30 its over to them

United come into match following a hard fought draw against St Joseph’s while Lions F.C. gained a point from their match against Manchester 62. Lions have picked up some form lately following a spate of matches in which they shipped an inordinate number of goals. A very uncharacteristc run of form for the Oranges that are often a resolute side to break down.

Manolo has all players available except for Farinha who misses out due to a ban for accumulation of cards and Marco who is still missing through injury. Morale is high following the performance against St Joseph’s and the goal as always the three points. Kick off 18:15 Saturday.

Daniel Ponce de Leon on for Aymen Mouelhi
Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Alberto Del Rio Fernandez
Michael Negrette on for Andre De Oliveira Farinha

Elghobashy and Mouehli return to the starting line up in a change of formation that sees Manolo adopt a wing back setup. Leo and Pipo drop to the bench as the club faces one of the most important games in its recent history.

It was an atypical match from the kick off. A change of system from our usual 4-3-3 meant an unusual line up but United had the first clear chance of the match, Aguiar left his marker behind by the by-line and crossed in a peach of a ball right onto the penalty spot. Jamie Bosio arrived a fraction of a second too late to poke the ball into an empty net. Things looked bright…

It was downhill from there as Mons Calpe frankly put in an excellent display from then on. They overpowered our midfield and their strikers, top guns in the Division, probed and pestered our defence until they opened the scoring following a breath taking move. A one-two on the wing left Farinha in check mate and Onega was to provide Pibe with the chance to drill one in from close range leaving Chino no chance. It was only just desserts for Mons’ play upto that point.

Manolo looked on as wave after wave of Mons attack assailed our defence. Marco and Filipe tried to get our play going but Ayman proved an isolated figure upfront. Desperate for a reaction the manager uncharacteristically made a double substitution 38 minutes into the game throwing on Dani and Pipo to look for some creativity and to try and win back midfield.

Alas it was to no avail as Mons continued to press and minutes later, indeed one minute before Mr Canepa blew for half time, Pibe scored an unmarked header to put his team 2-0 up. Indeed it could have been worse as the referee did not blow for a strong penalty shout in favour of Mons Calpe a few minutes before the goal was scored.

The second half was to be a mirror image of the first with Mons capitalising on three counter attacks to score three more goals to put United to the sword. No matter how hard we tried, and try we did, Mons were clearly the hungrier of the two teams and the better one on the field of play. Congratulations to them on a well-deserved semi-final win. For us, the league is still there with 6 games to play and the 3rd position and perhaps even the 2nd position to play for. We learn from the mistakes made and proceed to another massive game on Sunday evening against St Joseph’s.

A Rock Cup semi-final that opens the door to a golden opportunity for both clubs to play in a game that can lead to European football. United come into the game in good form and with morale sky high following two straight wins since a 2-1 loss to Mons Calpe. Form between clubs tends to go out of the window for high stakes games as these ones and he who wants its more will reap the gains.

United face the contest with a full bill of health and with all men standing after welcoming back Mouelhi and Elghobashy following a ban for accumulation of cards. Kick off is at 19:30 on Monday evening and we hope our lads get vociferous and numerous support from the stands.